Buenafe and Lanete were named by the UAAP-NCAA Press Corps as the Pivotal Players of this event presented by Smart Communications Inc. for their contributions to their respective teams during the finals.

The event, also supported by ACCEL, 316, FilOil, Terrilicious, Gatorade, San Miguel Corporation and the Philippine Sportswriters Association, will start at 7 p.m with Ateneo’s Norman Black and San Beda’s Frankie Lim receiving the Coach of the Year honors.

Despite weight problems and an inconsistent season, Buenafe saved his best for last by helping the Blue Eagles complete a two-game sweep of Far Eastern University and win a rare third consecutive UAAP championship.

In Game 2, Buenafe had 10 of his season-high 23 points in the fourth quarter, including a backbreaking triple in the dying seconds that extended the margin to five points. Ateneo eventually won, 65-62, to earn its place in history. One of the key figures in San Beda’s historic 18-game sweep of the NCAA season, Lanete made the killer shots as the Red Lions easily dispatched deposed champion San Sebastian in the finals.

In the two games played in that series, Lanete averaged 15.5 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists for San Beda, which won its fourth title in the last five seasons and avenged their title loss to the Stags in 2009.

He also made a booming triple with 3:59 left and the shot clock winding down in the second game as San Beda extended the lead to nine points after San Sebastian made a last ditch rally. The Red Lions win, 85-70, to win the crown.

The UAAP-NCAA Press Corps is a group of sportswriters from the country’s leading broadsheets and tabloids who covered collegiate basketball this past season.

Other awards to be given are the Collegiate Mythical Team that will feature the five finest players from both leagues this season, the UAAP and NCAA Juniors Player of the Year and the Super Senior award.

Philippine Star